Silver Spring, MD – The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is excited to welcome an experienced childbirth advocate from the Czech Republic for a prestigious four-month fellowship. The fellowship has been funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by IREX, an international nonprofit organization providing thought leadership and innovative programs to promote positive lasting change globally. Community leader Zora Javorská has more than 5 years of experience working on the legalization of home births in her home country. Her most recent project concentrated on the education and empowerment of women to motivate them to change the non-functional health care system through their legal possibilities. She also spent time supporting midwives and their ongoing advocacy work in her home country.

At ACNM, Javorská will conduct research into state law and regulation and health insurance policies that impact the ability of women to give birth at home attended by a qualified, licensed midwife. As a community leader, Javorská will apply a global lens to access to home birth in the states through practical work experience at ACNM while gaining transferable leadership and management skills she will later apply in the Czech Republic.

“We’re thrilled to have Zora Javorská join the American College of Nurse-Midwives as a Community Solutions Program fellow,” said ACNM CEO Lorrie Kline Kaplan, CAE. “Zora’s work in the Czech Republic will add a unique perspective to legislative work we are doing in the US, and the research she will be conducting will be invaluable to the organization.”

In its second year, the Community Solutions Program has matched 58 global leaders with American organizations in more than 20 states and the District of Columbia. Through hands-on collaboration, more than 55 American organizations will provide their leaders with community development experience in the US in 1 of 4 topic areas: tolerance and conflict resolution, women’s issues, environmental issues, and transparency and accountability. Community leaders, with up to 15 years of experience, will volunteer their time and perspectives to finding innovative solutions to local challenges.

In addition to working at local organizations, community leaders participate in an online Community Leadership Institute, a web-based leadership course developed by IREX that focuses on key leadership and organizational management skills. Leaders will leave the US not only with skills and strong connections to their colleagues at their host organizations, but also with a strong global network that will strengthen their community engagement.

At the end of their time in the US, community leaders create a plan for a new initiative in their home communities and spend 6 months implementing that project. Collaboration with their host organizations at a distance ensures that the learning continues. ACNM will be participating in the International Confederation of Midwives Congress in Prague, Czech Republic, in June 2014, which will provide another opportunity to connect with Javorská after the fellowship has been completed at the end of this year.

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About the American College of Nurse-Midwives

The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States. With roots dating to 1929, ACNM sets the standard for excellence in midwifery education and practice in the United States and strengthens the capacity of midwives in developing countries. Our members are primary care providers for women throughout the lifespan, with a special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health. ACNM reviews research, administers and promotes continuing education programs, and works with organizations, state and federal agencies, and members of Congress to advance the well-being of women and infants through the practice of midwifery.

IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing thought leadership and innovative programs to promote positive lasting change globally. We enable local individuals and institutions to build key elements of a vibrant society: quality education, independent media, and strong communities. To strengthen these sectors, our programs include conflict resolution, technology for development, gender, and youth.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the US Department of State fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly, and peaceful relations, as mandated by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961.